PRIME MINISTER's PRESS CONFERENCE HELD on 26TH AUGUST, 1965, at CITY HALL. Press : (Local) Why Have You Been So Silent Over T

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

PRIME MINISTER's PRESS CONFERENCE HELD on 26TH AUGUST, 1965, at CITY HALL. Press : (Local) Why Have You Been So Silent Over T 1 PRIME MINISTER’S PRESS CONFERENCE HELD ON 26TH AUGUST, 1965, AT CITY HALL. Press : (local) Why have you been so silent over the last few weeks? Prime Minister: First, there was a tremendous amount of work to be done. This is a radically different situation and, you know, my colleagues and I -- we like to calculate the consequence of each and every move and overture that we make or that is being made to us. And there are times when silence is golden. And you can take it from me that what Mr. Rajaratnam, the Foreign Minister, and Mr. Lim Kim San, the Finance Minister, have been saying, is said after the closest consultation with me and my colleagues. He speaks for us all... So, it does not mean that because I do not speak, we are not thinking or working. I am meeting you today because I had to meet the Chambers of Commerce and the Trade Unions, the Manufacturer's Association, because economics is the basis of successful lky\1965\lky0826.doc 2 democracy and also because I think we have cleared the hump. You know what Africans thinks about bases and the British bases. You know my position is on that. And although I am not a stranger to President Nasser, it took about two weeks for him to accord recognition, knowing full well what my position is. All of Asia now, except for Indonesia, has recognised us and I think so will the O.A.U. (The Orgainsation for African Unity). All the member-states, will, I think, recognise us. I have no need for concern that I am a neo-colonialist stooge. Question 2 : (The Chinese Press) PM translates: He said from the statements I have made, my colleagues and I, it appears that we still consider that one day we will be back in Malaysia, and that although we were pushed out or asked to walk out of Malaysia, we walked out with every intention, one day, of walking back into Malaysia. Briefly, I said that students of geography, of history, of economics -- any keen student -- must know that you cannot, lky\1965\lky0826.doc 3 by a legislative act, cut bonds between people who feel the same, who are the same. It is not just Chinese here and Chinese in Malaya, but Malays here and Malays in Malaya, Eurasians here and Eurasians in Malacca. Mr. Devan Nair is technically a foreigner now. But do you believe that in my heart, although legally I can say nothing, I can do nothing -- do you believe that in my heart and in the heart of my colleagues, he is anything other than one our closest comrades? There are bonds which cannot be broken; and what is more... you know, economics? Interdependence makes it inevitable, that maybe in ten years, maybe less, maybe more, it must come back together again, perhaps under somewhat different conditions and circumstances. But I have not the slightest doubt that that must be so. Question 3 : (The Malaya Press) Translated by PM. I will just translate briefly. He said what is my view of Tunku's statement that Malaysia will have trade relations with Russia. And I said it must be so; again one of those things in history... In 1962, I visited Moscow; and I met the Minister lky\1965\lky0826.doc 4 for Trade and Commerce. He wanted very much to send a rubber-buying mission to Singapore because otherwise he had to buy dearer through London. I wanted very much to let that rubber-buying mission come in, but at that time the Internal Security Council consisted of the British, the old Federation of Malaya, and ourselves and we were told "No".... So it was "No" then. But I have already send word to the Minister for Trade and Commerce... I do not know if it is the same man, Russian names are a bit difficult for me. But I have passed word through diplomatic channels that this rubber buying mission would be welcome in Singapore, and so would TASS, and so would TANJUK from Yugoslavia, and the Yugoslavia Ambassador in Djakarta, formely Mr. Berber, was quite a friendly person. We knew him quite well. He used to come and go through Singapore. I met President Tito in 1962. He made a point of meeting me in spite of the fact that it was May Day, May the 1st. I hope that he will still know that what I was in 1962 is only stronger now, not weaker. I am nobody's stooge. I am not here to play somebody else's game. I have a few million people's lives to account for. And Singapore will survive, will trade with the whole world and will remain non-communist. lky\1965\lky0826.doc 5 Question 4 : (The Chinese Press) -- PM translates. Can I first translate? He says, very briefly, what about my security and my safety? What is being done? Do I intend to move house to a safer area? Let me first reply to him, then I will give you my reply. (PM replies in Chinese, then translates) I said briefly: one of the impressions which will be in everybody's mind if I move to a safe, comfortable residence, would be one of irresponsibility: looking after my personal safety, lowering morale. Yes, it is easy to come from the Rhio Islands. And if we do not want to get rid of the British bases, people can come; you know, volunteers ... If we are influenced by these considerations, my colleagues and I -- We should be selling peanuts: it is a better life. If we are afraid to die, then don't do this. The risk is there as you know: and you will know from today's conference arrangements, that nobody in this room and nobody outside lky\1965\lky0826.doc 6 this room can possibly be an enemy. I am sorry if any of you have been put to any inconvenience, but it was necessary. (PM here continues in Chinese) I said there are several sources, not only Indonesians, who wants to get rid of British bases, "volunteers" of course. My relations with the Indonesian Government are what I call "correct". I am also waiting their decision not with undue anxiety. There are Malay extreme elements, followers of the six wild men in the Peninsula, and there are communists who are in league with these Indonesians, who may find it covenient to get rid of my colleagues and I. From the days we proclaimed ourselves, from that moment, our position changed. If I was knocked down by a bus on the 8th of August, it would not be so difficult to keep things as usual as if I were knocked down today, or even on the 9th of August after the proclamation. lky\1965\lky0826.doc 7 You know when I visited Nasser in 1962, he made quite an impression on me. I was taken not to the Quebay Palace -- old King Farouk's Palace -- but to a little modest villa in the suburbs of Cairo where he lived when he was just a colonel. And I see no reason whatsoever why the arrangements cannot be made to ensure the security of my residence. And not just mine, but also my neighbours; because they may miss me and get my neighbours, and my neighbours are my very close friends. In front of me is the President of the Hakka Association, Mr. Chong Moong Seng. You know I am a Hakka. To my right, is a Teochew merchant, my clansman, also Mr. Lee. To my left, is a small trader, a petty trader. But we are all friends. Behind me is a piece of vacant land. I am sorry for the owner of that land because I think they were asking for planning approval to build a five-storey flat which will overlook my house and make it easy for what happened to President Kennedy to happen me. Well, it will remain vacant land... It could serve a useful purpose there, having a meterological office or a meteorological station and other things. lky\1965\lky0826.doc 8 And the most important thing of all is the morale of the people and of the administration. If I expect Singapore's workers to make sacrifices, to work hard; if I expect my officials to give of their best and I move to Sri Temasek -- and I have got every right, it is my official residence, there is the vote -- you know, it seeps down the line. Everybody then wants the good life. Then the flat which we now build, average cost per unit $4,000. -- becomes $8,000-- as in some neighbouring countries. It goes down the line. You know my officials? Some of them have not slept a full night's sleep for the last two weeks; Mr. Stewart for instance, he is 55; I am 42. I can take it better. Some of my junior officials who have been runing around getting things done: it is a tremendous job learning how to code message to foreign countries. Worse, we have got very few French translators, and half of Africa is French-speaking. It is a tremendous business, and they have been working 24 hours flat. And if you expect that kind of effort, then I say the Ministers -- my colleagues and I -- must be preapared to make the same effort. lky\1965\lky0826.doc 9 And I have not the slightest doubt that the Singapore Police Force under the Minister for Defence and Security, Dr.
Recommended publications
  • Benjamin Henry Sheares, MD, MS, FRCOG
    Benjamin Henry Sheares—J Sheares 25C Benjamin Henry Sheares, MD, MS, FRCOG: President, Republic of Singapore 1971-1981; Obstetrician and Gynaecologist 1931-1981 A Biography, 12th August 1907-12th May 1981 1 JHH Sheares, MA, FRCSE, FAMS Abstract From humble origins Benjamin H Sheares with self-discipline and a commitment to excel became an eminent obstetrician and gynaecologist. Beginning in 1942 under difficult conditions he pioneered many improvements in the management of obstetrical and gynaecological patients, and also improved the services and facilities at Kandang Kerbau Hospital so that maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity were markedly reduced. In January 1951 he became the first Singaporean to be appointed Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the university, and achieved reknown in his service to patients, the teaching of undergraduates and postgraduates, and in clinical research. His surgical treatment of vaginal agenesis was acknowledged interna- tionally. He was elected President of the Republic of Singapore on 30th December 1970 by Parliament and during his three terms spanning one decade he discharged his duties with thoroughness, distinction, tolerance and a quiet dignity. When he died on 12th May 1981 85,000 people, identifying with his humble origins and his achievements through self-reliance and meritocracy, paid their last respects to him. He had set an example on how to live and depart this life. Ann Acad Med Singapore 2005;34:25C-41C Key words: Benjamin H Sheares, Biography, Development of O & G, President Singapore, Sheares operation “… let us not deny the population of Malaya (and the labour room and as it changes from a specialty Singapore) a reasonable obstetric service.
    [Show full text]
  • S R Nathan 1924 - 2016 Our Brother-In-Arms, Workers’ Keeper , People’S Leader
    Special Edition 23 AUGUST 2016 MCI (P) 028/12/2015 Our Brother-in-Arms, Workers’ Keeper, People’s Leader Remembering S R Nathan 1924 - 2016 Our Brother-in-arms, Workers’ Keeper , People’s Leader S R NATHAN 1924 – 2016 “My heart is with the Labour Movement and all that it stands for. It is in the Labour Movement that I grew and experienced the many injustices around us in the early years. As the saying goes, it is in the Labour Movement that we ‘small men and women’ earn our spurs and grow. It is in this movement that we learnt many of the realities of working life and overcame problems in our employment. All that remains so, even to this day.” Quote by Mr S R Nathan at the NTUC Industrial and Services Sectors and Membership Seminar at the Orchid Country Club on 19 July 2005. The Labour Movement and the Working People of Singapore will remember Mr S R Nathan’s contributions and honour his legacy for many generations to come. NTUC-Affiliated Unions and Associations • Air Transport Executive Staff Union • Amalgamated Union of Public Daily Rated Workers • Amalgamated Union of Public Employees • Amalgamated Union of Statutory Board Employees • Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment Union • Building Construction And Timber Industries Employees’ Union • Chemical Industries Employees’ Union • Creative Media and Publishing Union • DBS Staff Union • dnata Singapore Staff Union • Education Services Union • ExxonMobil Singapore Employees Union • Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union • Healthcare Services Employees’ Union • Housing and Development Board
    [Show full text]
  • Government, National Identity, and the Arts in Singapore
    University of Pennsylvania ScholarlyCommons Undergraduate Humanities Forum 2013-2014: Penn Humanities Forum Undergraduate Violence Research Fellows 5-2014 State of the Arts: Government, National Identity, and the Arts in Singapore Shawn Teo University of Pennsylvania Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.upenn.edu/uhf_2014 Part of the Asian History Commons, and the Cultural History Commons Teo, Shawn, "State of the Arts: Government, National Identity, and the Arts in Singapore" (2014). Undergraduate Humanities Forum 2013-2014: Violence. 1. https://repository.upenn.edu/uhf_2014/1 This paper was part of the 2013-2014 Penn Humanities Forum on Violence. Find out more at http://www.phf.upenn.edu/annual-topics/violence. This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. https://repository.upenn.edu/uhf_2014/1 For more information, please contact [email protected]. State of the Arts: Government, National Identity, and the Arts in Singapore Abstract In the 1960s, countries in Southeast Asia such as Indonesia and Malaysia were wreaked by ethnic violence. Race riots broke out in Malaysia in 1969 between Chinese and Malays. In 1973 and 1974 anti- Chinese riots and pogroms erupted in Indonesia. Amidst a sea of ethnic unrest, the Singaporean government became aware that the multiethnic nature of Singapore rendered it vulnerable to riots.Memories of the 1964 race riots and the 1950 Maria Hertogh riots were still fresh. The government hoped that the creation of a cohesive national identity would reduce the risk of ethnic and racial violence. In this project I examine the development of national identity in Singapore from 1965-1990 to see how the government and civil society interacted to create a national identity.
    [Show full text]
  • An Analysis of the Underlying Factors That Affected Malaysia-Singapore Relations During the Mahathir Era: Discords and Continuity
    An Analysis of the Underlying Factors That Affected Malaysia-Singapore Relations During the Mahathir Era: Discords and Continuity Rusdi Omar Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Discipline of Politics and International Studies School of History and Politics Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences The University of Adelaide May 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS i ABSTRACT v DECLARATION vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS vii ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS ix GLOSSARY xii 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1. Introductory Background 1 1.2. Statement of the Problem 3 1.3. Research Aims and Objectives 5 1.4. Scope and Limitation 6 1.5. Literature Review 7 1.6. Theoretical/ Conceptual Framework 17 1.7. Research Methodology 25 1.8. Significance of Study 26 1.9. Thesis Organization 27 2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF MALAYSIA-SINGAPORE RELATIONS 30 2.1. Introduction 30 2.2. The Historical Background of Malaysia 32 2.3. The Historical Background of Singapore 34 2.4. The Period of British Colonial Rule 38 i 2.4.1. Malayan Union 40 2.4.2. Federation of Malaya 43 2.4.3. Independence for Malaya 45 2.4.4. Autonomy for Singapore 48 2.5. Singapore’s Inclusion in the Malaysian Federation (1963-1965) 51 2.6. The Period after Singapore’s Separation from Malaysia 60 2.6.1. Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Era 63 2.6.2 Tun Abdul Razak’s Era 68 2.6.3. Tun Hussein Onn’s Era 76 2.7. Conclusion 81 3 CONTENTIOUS ISSUES IN MALAYSIA-SINGAPORE RELATIONS 83 3.1. Introduction to the Issues Affecting Relations Between Malaysia and Singapore 83 3.2.
    [Show full text]
  • Folio No: DM.231 Folio Title: Correspondence [Including Letters
    Folio No: DM.231 Folio Title: Correspondence [including letters re: Pulau Senang case] Content Description: This file contains 189 letters from the Office General File. Among them are many letters re: the Pulau Senang Case. There is a letter re: The Law of Abortion with a copy of The Case of Bourne related to Abortion and the Law attached. There is also a mordant letter from David Marshall to the Straits Times re: the elimination of Opposition and the undemocratic structure of the ruling party in Singapore vis-a-vis Lee Kuan Yew's visit to New Zealand. This file includes David Marshall's letters to the Press entitled "The Two Faces of Devan Nair [C.V. Devan Nair]” with reference to C.V. Devan Nair's appeal to the Singapore Workers to mount a campaign against the Central Government. There is a letter from David Marshall to the Minister of Justice re: the deterioration in the traditions of prosecution in Singapore and a letter to the Attorney General of Malaysia re: The Tribunal of Inquiry into the Singapore Riots. There is a letter with reference to the article on "Burden of Proof on Accused in Malaysia." David Marshall gives his comments on Judges' option of sentencing a convicted murderer to death or life imprisonment ITEM DOCUMENT DIGITIZATION ACCESS DOCUMENT CONTENT NO DATE STATUS STATUS DM.231.001 Undated An insert to advertise David Marshall's Jaguar, Mark V. Digitized Open A Writ of Summons issued to Datin Paglar re: the case DM.231.002 1964 Digitized Open of Benge v.
    [Show full text]
  • IPS FORUM – RESERVED PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Mr K
    1 IPS FORUM – RESERVED PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Mr K. Shanmugam Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law 8 September 2017 2 OVERVIEW 1. Role of the President 2. 2016 Amendments • Eligibility Criteria • Reserved Elections 3 (1) ROLE OF THE PRESIDENT 4 ROLE OF THE PRESIDENT From 1965 From 1991 Symbolic Role Additional Custodial Role in 2 specific areas Past Key Reserves Appointments • Head of State • Unifying figure • Ceremonial duties • Traditional Westminster functions Safeguarding the Protecting the Past Reserves integrity of the Public Service 5 SYMBOLIC ROLE 6 SYMBOLIC ROLE “[The Yang di-Pertuan Negara] is not a powerful man with power of life and death over us. His role is that of constitutional Head of the State of Singapore. He is the personification of the State of which you and I are members. … Source: National Gallery He symbolises all of us. To him devotion and loyalty are due.” – Then PM Lee Kuan Yew, 3 Dec 1959, Inauguration of President Yusof Bin Ishak 7 SYMBOLIC ROLE • Our position follows the UK – • Monarch plays important role symbolizing national identity & unity • British constitutional expert, Vernon Bogdanor: “… First, there are constitutional functions, primarily formal or residual, such as appointing a Prime Minister and dissolving the legislature. Second, there are various ceremonial duties. Third, and perhaps most important, is the symbolic function, by means of which the head of state represents and symbolises not just the state but the nation. It is this last role that is the crucial one...” 8 SYMBOLIC ROLE • Hallmark of Presidential office from its inception • Prior Convention – to rotate among ethnic groups “[The] convention of rotating the Presidency among the races was important to remind Singaporeans that their country was multi-racial.
    [Show full text]
  • A 'God in the Labour Movement' Who Fell to Earth
    A6 TOP OF THE NEWS # THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015 HE SHOULD HAVE STAYED TO ANSWER CHARGES NO COMMENT LEAVE IT TO DUE PROCESS ‘We were very close parliamentary colleagues and, to this day, ‘I’m not able to have a conversation with ‘As long as there are reasonable prospects of bringing I feel it was very silly of him to run away. He should have you.’ Phey Yew Kok to trial, nothing should be done which can stayed to answer the charges against him. After so many years, – Mr David Phey Teck Ann, one of Phey’s sons, be said to jeopardise the process of law.’ he still has to face the consequences of what he did.’ when approached by The Straits Times for a – Then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (far left, with Phey in 1976) – Mr Chan Chee Seng, 83, who was Senior Parliamentary Secretary for comment last night at his home. at a March 3, 1982 parliamentary session where opposition MP J.B. Social Affairs when Phey jumped bail in 1980. Jeyaretnam called for the charges against Phey to be withdrawn and a commission of inquiry to investigate the matter instead. Phey’s return may solve political mystery Answers sought to questions of why he fled and how he evaded capture By TOH YONG CHUAN and a top union leader trusted by MANPOWER CORRESPONDENT the political leadership. “There was a sense of disbelief WHEN Phey Yew Kok fled Singa- that it could happen to a PAP MP DEC 3, 1979: pore to escape prosecution in like him,” said Mr Joseph.
    [Show full text]
  • Singapore's Road to Independence
    Singapore’s road to independence May 28, 1958 After about two years of talks, the State of Singapore Act is passed in Britain to provide for self-government and Singapore citizenship. May 30, 1959 The People’s Action Party (PAP), in the opposition for the past four years, wins 43 out of 51 seats at the Legislative Assembly general election to be the rst fully elected, post-colonial government. June 1, 1959 Governor William Goode asks Mr Lee Kuan Yew to form the government. Mr Lee repeats his party’s condition that the British release eight detained associates: Lim Chin Siong, Fong Swee Suan, Devan Nair, S. Woodhull, J. Puthucheary, Chan Chiaw Thor, Chan Chong Kin and Chen Say Jame. The British agree to free the eight three days later. June 3, 1959 At one minute past midnight, the Governor proclaims Singapore a self-governing state. At 8.30am, he takes ofce as Yang di-Pertuan Negara, or Head of State. The PAP holds a mass rally at the Padang in the evening. June 4, 1959 The PAP issues a statement signed by six of the detainees, including hardliner Lim Chin Siong, saying they support the PAP leadership’s non-communist road. June 5, 1959 Swearing-in of the Cabinet, including Mr Lee as Singapore’s rst Prime Minister. Photo of a painting by Lai Kui Fang Dec 3, 1959 Mr Yusof Ishak is sworn in as the rst Malayan-born Yang di-Pertuan Negara, replacing Sir William Goode. When Singapore achieves independence on Aug 9, 1965 as a sovereign state, Mr Yusof becomes the President.
    [Show full text]
  • Timeline of Presidential Elections
    Timeline of the 23 August The Court of Appeal affirms the decision of the High Court Elected Presidency Dr Tan Cheng Bock’s appeal is dismissed, and there are no remaining legal challenges to a reserved elections President appointed by Parliament The President acted as a ceremonial Head of State • Yusof bin Ishak (1965-1970) • Benjamin Sheares (1971-81) • Devan Nair (1981-85) • Wee Kim Wee (1985-1993) Before1991 6 August Halimah Yacob confirms run for Presidency Speaker of Parliament and MP for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, 3 Jan Halimah Yacob, confirms that she will resign from Parliament to Inception of the Elected Presidency 1991 contest the upcoming Presidential Elections Parliament passed the 1991 Constitutional Amendment Bill, introduced by then-First Deputy Prime Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong, which created the Elected Presidency 11 July In addition to existing ceremonial role, the Elected President would act as a Second candidate launches election bid check on the powers of the Government, by safeguarding the reserves and Chairman of marine service provider Bourbon Offshore Asia, upholding the integrity of the public services Farid Khan, holds press conference announcing that he plans to run in the upcoming elections Though appointed, President Wee Kim Wee was the first President to hold these new custodial powers after the constitutional amendments took effect 7 July First popularly elected President High Court dismisses Constitutional challenge mounted by Dr Tan Cheng Bock 1993 President Ong Teng Cheong was elected by the people with 58.69% of the vote Dr Tan argued that the first Presidential term to be counted for the purpose of determining a reserved election, must be that of Second Presidential Elections end in walkover a President elected by the Singaporeans to a six-year term of 1999 As the only running candidate, President S R Nathan was office.
    [Show full text]
  • Let's Talk About Policy Failures and the Elected Presidency
    THE STRAITS TIMES Let's talk about policy failures and the elected presidency Kishore Mahbubani PUBLISHED JAN 18, 2016, 5:00 AM SGT On Friday, President Tony Tan Keng Yam delivered an address to open the 13th Parliament, in which he highlighted the need for political change and referred to the elected presidential system. In this article written before that presidential address, the writer calls for a U-turn on the elected presidency. It is now January 2016. Singapore's jubilee year SG50 is over. SG51 has begun. We must now begin preparing for SG100. To do so, we must switch gears, going from celebration to reflection. We must think hard about new approaches and policies we need to adopt to keep Singapore successful. One thing is absolutely certain. If we believe that we can sail into the next 50 years with the same set of policies that made us successful in the first 50 years, we are headed for trouble. We could very well replicate the Kodak experience. Kodak was once one of the world's most successful and admired companies. It became complacent. It refused to change course when circumstances changed. Today, Kodak is history. To begin our process of reflection, we should do an objective audit of our successes and failures over the first 50 years. Of all the countries in the world, we can be the boldest in doing such an objective audit, as our successes far outnumber our failures. As I said in a Huffington Post article ("Why Singapore is the World's Most Successful Society"), Singapore can well claim to be the most successful nation in human history.
    [Show full text]
  • Speech by the Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, at the Pap
    1 SPEECH BY THE PRIME MINISTER, MR LEE KUAN YEW, AT THE PAP 25TH ANNIVERSARY RALLY HELD AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE ON 20 JAN 1980 HISTORY IS NOT MADE THE WAY IT IS WRITTEN To understand the present and anticipate the future, one must know enough of the past, enough to have a sense of the history of a people. One must appreciate not merely what took place but more especially why it took place and in that particular way. This is true of individuals, as it is for nations. The personal experience of a person determines whether he likes or hates certain things, welcomes them or fears them when they recur. So it is with nations: it is the collective memory of a people, the composite learning from past events which led to successes or disasters that makes a people welcome or fear new events because they recognize parts in new events which have similarities with past experience. Young people learn best from personal experience. The lessons their elders have learned at great pain and expense can add to the knowledge of the young and help them to cope with problems and dangers they had not faced before; but such learning, at second hand, is never as vivid, as deep or as durable as that which was personally experienced. lky\1980\lky0120.doc 2 Of those on this platform today, four were on the platform of the Victoria Memorial Hall on 21 Nov 1954: Toh Chin Chye, Rajaratnam, Devan Nair and I. I wrote that Goh Keng Swee and K.
    [Show full text]
  • Title Changes in Tamil Language Acquisition and Usage in Singapore: a Case of Subtractive Bilingualism Author(S) A
    Title Changes in Tamil language acquisition and usage in Singapore: A case of subtractive bilingualism Author(s) A. Mani and S. Gopinathan Source Asian Journal of Social Science, 11(1), 104-117 Published by Brill Academic Publishers Copyright © 1983 Brill Academic Publishers This is the author’s accepted manuscript (post-print) of a work that was accepted for publication in the following source: Mani, A., & Gopinathan, S. (1983). Changes in Tamil language acquisition and usage in Singapore: A case of subtractive bilingualism. Asian Journal of Social Science, 11(1), 104- 117. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/080382483X00059 Notice: Changes introduced as a result of publishing processes such as copy-editing and formatting may not be reflected in this document. For a definitive version of this work, please refer to the published source. The final publication is also available at http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com This document was archived with permission from the copyright holder. LANGUAGE AND VALUES EDUCATION Changes In Tamil Language Acquisition And Usage In Singapore: A Case Of Subtractive Bilingualism With A. Mani While there had been some Indian traders in Singapore at the time of Raffles’ arrival—since 753 were listed in the population enumeration in 1823—the total number of Indians in the population continued to be less than 10,000 until the second half of the nineteenth century. It was not until after 1880 that any large number of Indians came to Singapore. The massive increase in the Indian population of Singapore occurred early in the twentieth century, growing from 17,000 or 7.8 per cent of the total in 1901 to nearly twice that figure (32,342) in 1921, and rising to 128,250 in 1966.
    [Show full text]